Elephant Activity:-

Elephant Activities (additional cost) the emphasis on this activity is on education. Please note that there is no riding offered. The main objective is to initiate a relationship between the guests and the elephants. The activity is offered in two sessions: 1.) "Meet the Herd" and 2.) "Join The Herd ". The elephant activity will be sold as one activity divided into two separate sessions:

	Meet the Herd
	Join the Herd

The order in which the sessions are conducted will depend upon time constraints on the guests, that is length of stay and arrival and departure times. It is likely however that the activities will be conducted in the manner described below. That said we must bear in mind that as this is a "new" activity there will be a degree of trial and error.

SESSION 1: MEET THE HERD

Duration: 2½ hours in the late afternoon Outline: Basic intro, Mekoro (seasonal), Sun-downers Orientation:  Guests arrive by vehicle at one of several alternative prearranged venues Elephants are feeding nearby but not obviously visible. Elephant host meets guests, gives safety instructions for elephants and wild animals, reassures regarding radio communication, protection, first aid, and refreshments  Chaperon guests to elephant as a group Introduction:  Abbreviated Intro to the elephants ie. Give names, sexes and ages and some brief background e.g. give Zulu Names and English translation - Thembi, a common Zulu name that means Trust and Jabu, short for Jabulani meaning happiness. Invite guests to come up to touch one of the elephants. (Normally guests are impressed with how relaxed the elephant is and that it enjoys the attention).

General Characteristics: We share some basic information about the African elephant that everybody is interested in. Just how big does the largest living animal get? Which elephants actually get that big? Guests feel dwarfed when standing next to our elephants. When we indicate how much more they yet have to grow, our guest feel smaller still! Not all our guests remember the figures we give them for maximum shoulder height, weight, tusk length, running speed, gestation period, longevity, etc.. However the overall feeling is of wonder and this is a good starting point for their experience. Foraging Walk: We walk a short distance. As we set off we initiate some informal chatting, which helps our guests relax. The elephants may take a mud bath en route. Guests are generally enthralled watching the elephants cavorting in the water. Mekoro: We come to a water crossing and the guests board mekoro. As the elephants churn their way through the water the guests guide effortless alongside to the opposite island. A word of caution though, this activity will be seasonal. The area where we conduct the activity is away from the deeper water areas to the north camp. Guests enjoy the elephants/mokoro experience and it is a way of making the two activities distinct and gives added value.

Sundowners:

After arriving on the opposite island guests relax with a couple of sundowners while enjoying the presence of the elephants. For those who wish Jabu will even pour the wine.

• Guests will have the opportunity to take pictures with the elephants.

• Some elephant facts will be shared such as social structure, form and function.

• Just after sunset a game drive vehicle arrives and transports guests back to camp.

SESSION 2: JOIN THE HERD

Duration: +- 4 hours in the morning

Outline: Full introduction, foraging walk, and brunch

Orientation:

• Guests arrive by vehicle at one of several alternative prearranged venues.

• Elephants are feeding nearby but not obviously visible.

• Chaperon guests to elephants as a group.

• Elephant host meet guests, outlines day ahead, gives safety instructions for elephants and wild animals, reassures regarding radio communications, protection, first aid, and refreshments.

Introduction:

• We quiz previous days guests on elephants names for benefit of new guests (if any).

• Summaries each elephants history.

• Point out elephants individual physical characteristics.

• Highlight their own personalities.

• Invite our guests to come up and touch each of the elephants.

• Encourage the guests to recognize the elephants as individuals.

• Relate to then on a personal level.

• Elephant host meet guests, outlines day ahead, general safety briefing.

The elephants enjoy interacting with guests and many structured channels have been devised for this. We believe personal interaction between the elephants and the guests is essential in developing the guests sense of bonding and kinship with elephants e.g. Guests can lead an elephant while it gently rests its trunk tip in their hand. Guests are also, invited to experience an elephant kiss. Thembi gently pinches the skin of the guests offered cheek while making kissing noises. We will use different interactions than those of the previous afternoon.

During the course of the day there is on-going discussion with guests and numerous themes are explored. To what extent and in what detail depends on the orientation and interest s of our guests. We discuss physical elephant sensory systems, ecology, management and conservation issues, the basis of our relationship with the elephants, intelligence etc. we avoid repeating information on themes covered in the previous activity.

Foraging walk:    

Guests are very comfortable in the presents of the elephants and are ready to start the days adventure. After the previous afternoon activity it is like being with old friends. We explain to our guests that we will be walking at a leisure pace with the elephants, observing their behavior, getting personally acquainted with them, and discussing a few elephant issues. Questions are encouraged.

The previous days interaction with guests has helped us understand who they are and how best to tailor the information to meet their needs. Some examples: medical people are interested in anatomy and physiology; engineers seem particularly interested in the skeletal system; physiologists and teachers are particularly interested in elephant learning, behavior and personalities, other are interested in more emotional aspects.

The elephants stop to feed and while reviewing feeding strategies guests observe how the elephant's trunk, feet and tusk work together to allow amazing versatility in feeding.

During the walk other animals are encountered and are often approached relatively close, due to the presents of the elephants. Discussion on other animals, birds, the vegetation and relevance to elephants takes place as we go along.

Picnic:

We reach our picnic spot, under large shaded trees, by a lagoon before the hottest part of the day. A set table waits in the shade. Guests are offered a seat and a choice of cold refreshments. They relax a while before brunch. Brunch is a luxurious affair with wine etc. The elephants are fed pre-cut fodder close to the table so their presence can be enjoyed. 

While guests relax in the shade after brunch, we bring our bull, Jabu, over and we have him  demonstrate a number of vocalizations on cue. We explain the different noises that include rumbles, screaming, squeaking and trumpeting and their significance. Our elephants produce many vocalizations. By this time the elephants are usually eager for a swim in the lagoon. Guests watch from the cool of the shade or go down to the waters edge for a closer look and enjoy the amusing display of energy.

A vehicle then arrives to collect the guests and ferry them back to the lodge.  

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